Free Training at TSBDC/KOSBE Introduction to Exporting & International Trade

August 02, 2011

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU and the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) will host a free Introduction to Exporting & International Trade event on Wednesday, August 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, downtown Kingsport.

The workshop is offered free of cost, but registration is required.

Attendees will hear from export experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the TSBDC; David Tiller, SBA Export Counselor, Dan Holt, SBA Export Trade Finance Officer and TSBDC export specialist, Alam Khan all discussing the basics of Exporting and International Trade.

There will be an emphasis on getting started as an exporter of products as well as services (i.e., engineering, architectural, marketing, consulting and environmental services etc.,) whether you’ve been in business or are considering a start-up and whether you are already exporting or not.

Attendees will not only receive an information packet containing phone numbers and addresses for information about exporting and international trade they will learn about SBA export loans and other support from SBA and the TSBDC.

You may be surprised to learn some of the Top Ten U.S. Exports include: corn, art collectibles, chemicals, computer accessories, tele-communications, plastic materials, civilian aircraft, toiletries and cosmetics, testing instruments and household goods.

Top Ten U.S. exported services include: professional and technical services, insurance, financial and travel services.

This event is facilitated by the SBA and TSBDC and is designed with new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs in mind.

The event is free and open to the public, and a light lunch will be provided, but seating is limited. Advanced registration is required and must be received by Monday, August 12. Anyone interested can register online at kosbe.org or call (423) 392-8825 for more information.

It is the intent of KOSBE to be the go-to organization in the Tri-Cities for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses, by creating and developing the right tools and resources and cultivating the right partnerships. In partnership with Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC) at ETSU, KOSBE can more effectively serve the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. For a complete listing of services, tools and resources, visit kosbe.org.

The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state of Tennessee.

To schedule your free confidential counseling appointment in a private setting by TSBDC-certified counselors in person, online by phone or e-mail call Marybeth McLain at (423) 392.8825 or e-mail, mmclain@kosbe.org.